Improvement in valve-couplings for hose-branches



'1. a. mass;

Valve-Couplings for Hose-Branches.

No. 156,087. Patented 0ct. 20, I874.

wnuassas: I mm.

' mon;

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JAMES R. HIGGS, OF UTlOA, NEW YORK.

IMPROVEMENT IN VALVE-COUPLINGS FOR HOSE-BRANCHES.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 1 56,087, dated October 20, 1874; application filed August 29, 1874.

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, JAMES R. Hrces, of Utica, in the county of Oneida and State of New York, have invented a new and Improved Valve-Oouplin g for Hose-Branches, of which the following is a specification:

In the accompanying drawing, Figure 1 represents a horizontal section on line a c, Fig. 2, of my improved valve-coupling for hosebranches; and Fig.2 is a'vertical axial section of the same, taken on the line :10 m, Fig. 1.

Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding part-s.

My invention relates to an improved valvecoupling for hose-branches, by which two or more streams of water may be thrown on the fire from the same main hose, and thereby the extinguishing of the same facilitated.

My invention consists of a valve-coupling which is applied to the engine-connectin g hose, and provided with two or more hose-branches that are opened or closed by a section al springvalve sliding on a guide-tongue of the valvestem turning in suitable bearings. I

In the drawing, A represents the outer box or casing of my hose-branch coupling, which is made of cylindrical shape, with projecting pipe ends B,ofwhich one connects by a threaded coupling or sleeve with the main hose, connected to the fire-engine or other apparatus, while to the other threaded pipe ends the different hose-branches are screwed on. A central valve-stem, O, with one or more radial guide pieces or tongues D, turns in a recess of the bottom of casing A, and in the tightly applied top or cap piece A which is screwed on the casing with an intermediate packing disk, at, and firmly bound in position by an additional binding-nut, A which is tightlyfitted by a suitable stuffing-ring, b, on the valve-stem. The sector-shaped valve E slides by a central rear groove, d, on tongue D, and is pressed tightly against the inner surface of casingAby one or more spiral springs, e, placed into corresponding recesses of the tongue. The

valve E is so arranged that one or all of the hose-branches may be opened for use, and all but one closed, so that no bursting of the main hose by accidental misplacing of the valve may occur. When'the valve E is placed intermediately between the hose-branch, connecting pipe ends, water is supplied to all, so that as many streams may be thrown 011 the fire as there are branch connections of the coupling. The extreme positions of the valve E are defined by stop-pins f, and the place of the valve in the casing reliably indicated by the direction of the lever-handle F, which is fitted in, such a manner to the upper end of the valve-stein that it takes always the same relative position on the same.

The valve is set as required, and thereby separate streams thrown on the fire without requiring a separate engine-connecting hose for each nozzle. This produces greater economy in the length of hose, and a quicker attachment of the hose-branches, so that the extinguishing of fires is greatly facilitated and expedited. 7

Having thus described my invention, I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent 1. A valve-coupling for hose-branches, constructed of outer casin g A, with ti ghtly-stuffed cap A A and adjustable spring-valve E sliding on the guide piece of valvestem O, for regulating the flow of water from main hose to branch-hose, substantially in the manner and for the purpose set forth.

2. The combination of one or more sectional valves E, having rear grooves 01, with radial guide pieces or tongues D' of valve-stem C, said tongues being recessed for the spiral packing-springs e for pressing valves closely to casing, as set forth.

JAMES R. HIGGS.

Witnesses:

JESSE HIGGS, GEORGE POTTER. 

